From 1804–15, Napoléon I reigned as the emperor of France, bringing the country into a new era of opulence after the fall of the monarchy and the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. He declared, “We must have very solid things, made to last 100 years.” Empire-style furniture followed suit, with imposing pieces constructed from mahogany and adorned with gilded ornaments. Expanding on the neoclassicism popularized in the previous century — such as in Louis XVI style — Empire style borrowed from the great civilizations of antiquity, from Egypt to Greece and Rome, to connect this nascent empire to the power of the past.
Napoléon I believed the production of fine furniture would reflect the stature of the republic, with his official architects Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine leading the way with their work on his residences.
Luxurious materials, symmetrical shapes and bold colors characterize antique Empire-style bedroom furniture, armchairs, cabinets and other structures, with frequent motifs including mythological creatures, geometric designs, acanthus leaves, eagles, bees (the imperial emblem) and swans, a favorite of Empress Joséphine.
Flat surfaces, like marble tabletops, were accented with decadent details, such as the bronze furniture mounts made by sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire for the French palaces. Martin-Guillaume Biennais, who worked as the imperial goldsmith, crafted intricate luxury objects that mixed wood, fine metal, mother-of-pearl and ivory. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
The style became popular abroad, influencing the American Empire style. Stately pieces carved with sprigs of olives by cabinetmaker Pierre-Antoine Bellange were acquired by American President James Monroe for the White House in 1817.
Find a collection of antique Empire tables, lighting, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Pair of Large Malachite and Ormolu Mounted Empire Style Vases
Located in London, GB
These splendid malachite and ormolu mounted vases are executed in the French Empire style, and are emblazoned with gilt decoration that has an unmistakable air of confidence, pride, ...
Malachite, Ormolu
$24,563 / set
Pair of French Gilt and Patinated Bronze Wall Lights
Located in London, GB
Pair of French gilt and patinated bronze wall lights French, 20th Century Height 103cm, width 50cm, depth 44cm Drawing inspiration from the sophisticated Empire style, these wall li...
Bronze, Ormolu
Rare Model Empire Clock Depicting Faustulus Discovering Romolus and Remus
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
The highest quality late French Empire/Charles X mantle clock in terms of bronze casting, chasing, and gilding. The partially clad figure of Fau...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
$9,500 / set
Black and Gold Carved Vase Statues - Set of 2
Located in Dallas, TX
Hand carved painted black and gold vase statues, the vase and base can be separated. Sits very tall at 7 feet but is very lightweight being made from wood. Likely originated in Franc...
Wood
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Clock of a Seated Roman Emperor
By Claude Galle
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A late French Empire period mantel (fireplace) clock showing a seated Roman emperor in finely chased patinated bronze holding a sword in one hand and a Roman banner in the other. He ...
Bronze
A Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Candelabras, Late 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Pair of French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Candelabras, Late 19th Century Description: Each piece is configured as a two-light candelabrum, featuring two decorative scrolling side ar...
Bronze
Louis Marie Moris French bronze Napoleon on horseback . (1818-1883)
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine and large French bronze of Napoleon on horseback . Crossing the Alps on Marengo. Fine detail on a marble base . Large and impressive scale
Bronze
Cupid's Fire French Empire Mantel Clock by Bergmiller
By Bergmiller
Located in New Orleans, LA
French Empire Mantel Clock Bergmiller Circa 1810 A radiant expression of French Empire luxury, this exceptional mantel clock by Bergmiller combines the artistry of mercury-gilt bron...
Bronze
Empire gilt bronze inkwell, Turquin marble base - early 19th century
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
A fine Empire style inkwell, Restauration period circa 1830 - 1840. The bronze inkwell is finely chiseled and gilt with fine gold ; it rests on an ormolu 6-peaks star set on a blue T...
Marble, Ormolu
19th Century French Bronze Dore Compote with Ebonized Figures
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire-style (19th Century) bronze dore compote with 3 Egyptian ebonized figures and crystal bowl.
Crystal, Bronze
Wonderful Pair French Patinated Dore Bronze Empire Neoclassical Candlesticks
By Claude Galle
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Pair Of French Patinated & Dore Bronze Empire / Neoclassical / Napoleonic Substantial Candlesticks Each With 3 Eagles, In The Manner Of Claude Galle.
Bronze
Amazing Napoleon III Clock Empire French 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Amazing Napoleon III Clock Empire French 19th Century 50cm x 26cm x 15cm good condition
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Style Bronze Mantel Clock, circa 1870
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th century French Empire style gilt bronze mantle clock. The foliate and fruit engraved gilt-brass dial with enamel painted roman numerals. Inside with eight day movement w...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel
Two Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain Candlesticks with Lion Heads
Located in København, Copenhagen
Two Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain candlesticks with lion heads. Dated 1969-1974. Model number 1/15. Measures: 23 x 8 cm. In excellent ...
Porcelain
Empire Mantel Clock in Mercury-Gilt Bronze, France, early 19th century
Located in Madrid, ES
Mercury-gilt bronze mantel clock, Empire style, France, early 19th century Magnificent mercury-gilt bronze mantel clock, made in France around 1810-1820, at the height of the Empire ...
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Miniature Commode
Located in Winter Park, FL
A 19th century French Empire miniature commode made of walnut and veneer of walnut. Two large dovetailed drawers below a smaller top drawer, each with turned knobs. A beautifully crafted miniature chest with solid walnut columns. Inscription written in ink on the back of each of the large drawers: "don d...
Walnut
Pair of French Empire Period Matte and Burnished Gilt Porcelain Vases
Located in Firenze, IT
Pair of French 19th century Empire porcelain two handles baluster-shaped vases. The body of each vase is in two-toned gold exceptionally tooled with matte and glazed gold. The vases ...
Porcelain
$3,298 / set
Pair of Empire Candlestick, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of candlesticks made of burnished and fire-gilt bronze. The spouts are surrounded by three satyr masks crowned by flames. The pyramidal shaft is decorated with torchbearers in r...
Bronze
19th Century French Empire Skeleton Clock with Vestal Virgins
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A Classic two dimensional French Empire skeleton clock, the finely chased and mercury gilded case depicts Amour holding a flaming torch and a banner, symbol of war, seated on a quiver full of arrows and set on top of the dial and movement. The dial is framed by two vestal virgins...
Bronze
Reloj de sobremesa francés en bronce dorado, época Imperio, siglo XIX
Located in MADRID, ES
Espectacular reloj de sobremesa francés, época Imperio (1800-1815), en bronce dorado. Medidas: 41,5 cm largo x 65 cm alto x 14,5 cm fondo. El cuerpo del reloj está elevado sobre una...
Bronze, Ormolu
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
French Empire Style Gilt Metal and Marble Clock
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Style Gilt Metal Mounted White Marble Portico Clock, early 20th century, surmounted by an Imperial eagle, sunburst, the suspended circular dial with battery operated mo...
Marble, Metal
Mahogany Tea Caddy Wooden Casket Box w Antique Glass Empire early 19th century
Located in Sweden, SE
Rectangular shape mahogany veneered casket made in first half of 19th century presumably in Europe. Cast glass vessels are intact at their original place. Candy sugar bowl along with...
Glass, Cut Glass, Mahogany
Rare Empire French Fire Gilded Center Piece Tazza Warrior Horses Harp
By Pierre-Philippe Thomire, Thomire & Cie.
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
More than 200 years old showpiece for on the table. Made from glass, fire-gilt bronze and green veined marble. Beautiful horses with a warrior and mythological figures with harp and ...
Marble, Bronze
Empire Giltwood Carved Frame
Located in New Orleans, LA
Period Empire giltwood frame.
Giltwood
Marble Vase, France, Second Half of the 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Large lidded vase with a gadrooned wall with acanthus leaves and pine node. Marbre griotte and gilt bronze.
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Impt Pair of French Empire Ormolu Covered vases/Potpourris, Att. Thomier A Paris
Located in New York, NY
An Incredible and Rare Pair of 19th Century French Ormolu Covered Potpourris, Attributed to Thomier A Paris. This pair dates to 1810, which is the illustrious French Empire period. These remarkable urns serve as prime examples of the impeccable artistry and superior craftsmanship that characterized the first empire era. Notably, the urns feature figural cherub handles positioned atop rams' heads, engaging in musical endeavors, which adds an alluring touch of sophistication to their design. The captivating allure of these urns is further enhanced by their meticulously hand-chiseled gilded bronze composition, adorned with a splendid two-tone finish. Standing at an impressive height of 24 inches, these urns exemplify an unwavering dedication to detail. Each urn boasts a main body adorned with elegantly crafted relief dancers...
Ormolu
Late Empire Period Clock of Chronos Carrying Away Time
Located in London, GB
A fine model of Chronos carrying off time. The superbly modelled and cast figure of Chronos with scythe in one hand and carrying the clock under his arm. Set on a fine marble base wi...
Marble, Ormolu, Bronze
$7,949Sale Price|25% Off
Gilt Bronze and Griotte Red marble inkwell, Empire Period, early 19th century
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant Empire-period inkwell featuring a rectangular base in griotte red marble, embellished with gilded bronzes. The main decoration, of great finesse, represents a winged figure i...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Pair Antique French Empire Patinated Bronze & Gold Bronze Candelabra, Circa 1860
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair antique French Empire patinated bronze & gold bronze candelabra, Circa 1860. These handsome patinated candelabra would be a fine addition to any sideboard or large server...
Bronze
Pair of French Gilt Bronze and Slate Candlesticks, c. 1850
Located in Chicago, IL
This regal pair of bronze and slate candlesticks originated in 19th-century France and are beautifully detailed with molded and gilt embellishments. Crafted in the style of Empire furniture, each candlestick rests on a triform bronze base of claw feet and petal scrollwork, topped by a gilt acanthus leaf throne supporting a simple black slate stem. The sleek stone posts in turn support an urn-form bronze capital with floral and gilt elements. A gorgeous example of French opulence...
Slate, Bronze
Bracket Clock, Vienna, circa 1820
Located in Greding, DE
Bracket clock in a walnut case with ebonized columns and base. The case is decorated with brass appliqués. The movement features a brass chapter ring with Roman numerals, Arabic sec...
Brass
French Empire Bronze and Marble "Knight" Clock
Located in Astoria, NY
French Empire Bronze and Siena Marble "Knight" Clock, circa 1830, the standing figure in armor above a circular gilded dial, the movement with strike on bell, on a graduated Sienna m...
Siena Marble, Bronze
Pair of gilded Empire candelabra with five lights, made of high-quality bronze
Located in Berlin, DE
A Fine Quality Pair of French Empire Bronze and Gilt Ormolu Candelabra, each in the form of cherub figures holding up three ornate candle branches, These magnificent candelabras we...
Bronze, Gold Leaf
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
Empire Gilt Bronze Clock of Standing Classical Lady Unveiling an Urn of Plenty
By A. Ravrio
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A late French Empire mantle clock in gilded bronze depicting a standing classical lady on the left side of the clock plinth with her left ar...
Bronze
Pair of Early 19 Century French Empire Gilt Bronze Neoclassical Candlesticks
Located in Berlin, DE
Excellent pair of early 19 century French empire gilt bronze neoclassical candlesticks. A tapering stem with rich and finely chased ...
Bronze
$3,768 / set
Pair of Russian Rython Vases
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very decorative pair of Rython, also called Cornucopia vases from the first half of the 19th century, probably Russian. Red/pinkish cut glass vases with the ends mounted with gilt...
Carrara Marble, Bronze
Palace size Marble and Bronze Dore’ Clock Adorned with Psyche and Amor Figures
Located in Houston, TX
Amazing clock depicting the tale of Amor and Psyche which Is about the god of love in Greek mythology. Large bronze Dore figures adorn the pediment sta...
Bronze
Early 19th Century Russian Empire Malachite and Ormolu Inkstand Encrier Swans
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
A very fine Russian giltbronze mounted malachite veneered inkstand from the first quarter of the 19th century. Of rectangular form with an acanthus leave decorated border on round fe...
Malachite, Bronze
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
A French Empire Clock of the Roman Goddess Aurora Announcing a New Day
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A period French Empire allegorical mantel clock with a case of finely chased and gilt bronze. Aurora stands to the left of the circular clock plinth draping a starry cloak over the g...
Bronze
Large 19th Century Continental Neoclassical Between Dresser Vanity Box
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An extensively filled 19th century ormolu-mounted ebonized wood dresser vanity box fitted with silver gold washed lidded glass gars and sewing tools. The ...
Ormolu
19th Century French Empire Malachite and Gilt Bronze Centerpiece
Located in Dallas, TX
Fine 19th century French Empire malachite and gilt bronze centerpiece. Cut crystal top bowl .Fine mercury gilt bronze sphinx's.
Malachite
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
French Empire Bronze Clock Depicting Urania Greek Muse of Astronomy
By Lesieur
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A magnificent large gilded and patinated bronze period French Empire mantle clock depicting Urania the Greek Muse of Astronomy standing on a stepped rectangular gilded bronze base her left elbow resting on a large gilded globe of the heavens with a central band showing the signs of the zodiac...
Bronze
French 19th-Century Gilt-Bronze Figural Candles Stone Material, Gilt Paint, 1920
Located in Worcester Park, GB
This antique figural candlestick holder is crafted in gilt bronze (ormolu) and is attributed to French production of the 19th century. The piece features a finely detailed sculptural...
Stone
French Empire Patinated Bronze Sculpture of Boys and Amphoras by Auguste Moreau
Located in North Miami, FL
French Empire patinated bronze sculpture of a group of boys and amphoras by Auguste Moreau By: Auguste Moreau Material: bronze, copper, metal Technique: patinated, cast, carved, pol...
Bronze, Metal, Copper
$10,795Sale Price|20% Off
French Empire Period Marble and Ormolu Clock, Early 19th Century
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Early 19th century French Empire period marble and ormolu clock. French Carrara marble Portico clock with extensive ormolu fretwork mounted on two finely decorated marble columns ...
Elegant French Empire Doré Bronze Crystal Three-Light Fixture Chandelier
Located in Roslyn, NY
Very fine, beautifully detailed French doré bronze and crystal three-arm chandelier with flame top urn centre in the neoclassical style.
Crystal, Bronze
18th Century Bronze Mortar with Pestle Apothecary Set
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An antique bronze mortar with original pestle which has two side handles and incised detail. This set, found in Europe, would be a great addition to an existing collection of these p...
Metal, Bronze
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Empire Style Table Clock and Inkwell
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Empire style table clock and inkwell Origin France Circa 1900 The watch has a Paris machine and it works Golden bronze and Onix materials Very good general condition the marble ...
Bronze
Pair of First-Empire Period 2-Handled Porcelain Vases with Westall Venus Scenes
By Richard Westall, Porcelaine de Paris
Located in New York, NY
An incredible and rare pair of French Paris Porcelain First-Empire Period Winged Sphynx-form double- handled porcelain vases with mythological scenes of Venus and Cupids after Richar...
Porcelain
Empire Bowl w Winged Lady's and Dolphins Base Gold Finish
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare find of this centerpiece bowl in a golden Dore' finish. With two winged nude Angles for handles. All supported by four Dolphins in a bronze patina finish. Still has the Origin...
Bronze
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
French Empire Allegorical Clock Depicting Roman Triumph and Power
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A figural gilt bronze French Empire clock, ‘Allegory to Triumph and Power’. A Roman emperor stands to the right of the central rectangular plinth housing the movement; atop the plint...
Bronze
Large Blue and Gold Porcelain Vase
Located in Prato, IT
Germany, mid-20th century In blue and gold painted porcelain Dimensions cm W38 x D25 x H52 approx.
Porcelain
Early 19th Century French Empire Period Portico Clock
Located in Dublin, IE
A fine early 19th century French Empire period Portico clock of exceptional quality in the Neo-classical style, the clock housed in a richly figured mahogany case with four tapering ...
Ormolu
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
French Empire Clock Depicting Psyche Playing with a Butterfly After Canova
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A French Empire Clock depicting Psyche playing with a butterfly after a marble statue by Canova displayed in the Louvre. A patinated bronze Psych...
Bronze
Pair of Empire Style Vases in Blue and Gold Porcelain
Located in Prato, IT
Germany, mid-20th century Empire style Blue and gold painted porcelain and white background band with floral decoration Dimensions cm W28 x D20...
Porcelain
$4,681Sale Price|25% Off
Empire period gilt bronze obelisk inkwell
Located in Paris, FR
Chased and gilded bronze inkwell on a canted base with a frieze of interlacings centered on rosettes. Leobelisk model, topped by a seeded fruit. It features two covered cups decorate...
Bronze
Empire Clock, "Cupid & Psyche"
Located in Atlanta, GA
A superb gilt and patinated bronze Empire clock. Rouge griotte marble. Signed bled a Paris. Silk thread suspension. France, circa 1804 Dimensions: Height 32" x width 21" x depth 11...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
$3,400
Sugar Box Russia
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous box made of blue glass beautifully decorated with white details. Frame of brass. original lock and key. Made during 19th Century Russian Empire period. Small lockable boxes...
Brass
French Museum Ormolu Mantle Clock, Pendule 'Au Char', Thomire, Paris, Ca 1820
Located in Vienna, AT
Exquisite mantel clock made of fire-gilded and patinated bronze from the early 19th century: Structure in the form of a rectangular gilded base on four conical feet with chiselling, ...
Bronze
18th Century Snuff Box With Secret Erotic Motive
Located in Copenhagen, K
Very funny little snuff box with a text about Etimologie; the true learning or real learning, on the lids outside and a hidden erotic motive on the inside of the lid.
Wood, Paper